“We deeply regret the collapse of the Islamic boarding school building. We will investigate everything,” AHY said in Jakarta.
He said the incident underscored the urgent need to ensure construction quality. Poorly built structures, he added, not only reduce functionality but also pose risks to safety.
“We will investigate further and ensure such an incident does not recur,” the minister said.
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The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) said 15 victims had been located under the rubble of the prayer room, which collapsed on Monday.
Rescuers are prioritizing seven survivors classified as “red status,” providing oxygen, food, and IV drips during the critical 72-hour window after the disaster.
Emi Freezer, head of Basarnas operations, said contact with the trapped survivors was being maintained through voice communication, while cameras were used to detect movements in narrow spaces beneath the debris.
So far, 11 victims have been evacuated. Three of them died — one on Monday in hospital and two on Tuesday.
Authorities have not confirmed how many people remain trapped. Basarnas said the 15 identified locations under the rubble may not reflect the total number of victims.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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